Mishawaka church sign approved

But plan panel hears criticism on architectural fit.

But plan panel hears criticism on architectural fit.

December 15, 2006|SUE LOWE Tribune Staff Writer

MISHAWAKA -- You never know what's going to cause an argument. A proposed sign outside St. Joseph Catholic Church and its school in downtown Mishawaka caused one Tuesday night. Members of the Mishawaka Plan Commission voted 7-2 to approve the sign. But Dale "Woody" Emmons, a member of the commission and the Mishawaka Common Council member from the 1st District, didn't want it. The church needed permission because the sign is a form of concrete, not an approved material for a sign downtown, and because it will be a message board. Emmons said he has no problem with a sign but he felt the city should require that it fit better with the architecture of the buildings around it. He said the proposed sign "would stick out like a sore thumb." City Attorney John Gourley, who presented the request, said there are four buildings on the block and none of their architecture matches. Gourley ended up making the request because no one else from the church showed up and he's a parishioner. He said he hated to see the proposal die. Rosemary Klaer was the commission member who voted with Emmons. Staff writer Sue Lowe: slowe@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6557